The third and final ODI Pakistan vs Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium where the hosts will look to complete a dominant 3-0 sweep. With the series already sealed, Pakistan enter the final match brimming with confidence, while Sri Lanka desperately seek a morale-boosting win to end a tough tour on a positive note.
Pakistan performance across the first two ODIs has been a blend of tactical maturity and individual brilliance. Their batting has adapted smoothly to varying situations defending a total in the opening match and expertly chasing in the second.
Babar Azam return to peak form, with his classy century in the second ODI signalling his resurgence. Alongside him, Salman Ali Agha continues to enjoy a superb year, adding stability and reliability to the middle order. The opening partnership of Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub has also shown encouraging signs of intent and aggression.
In the bowling department, Pakistan look even more threatening. Haris Rauf the leading wicket-taker of the series, has consistently rattled Sri Lanka with his pace and sharp variations. Should Shaheen Shah Afridi return for the final ODI, the hosts will possess an even more lethal new-ball combination. Meanwhile, Abrar Ahmed wicket-taking knack in the middle overs has added a valuable dimension to their attack.
Sri Lanka entered the series with encouraging form in ODIs, but they’ve struggled to match Pakistan’s execution in key moments. While their batters have shown glimpses of rhythm, they haven’t been able to convert starts into match-defining contributions.
For Sri Lanka to compete, the onus lies on Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and the in-form Janith Liyanage to anchor partnerships and push totals towards the 280–300 range. Their inability to build momentum has been a major setback throughout the series.
With the ball, Sri Lanka will again rely heavily on Wanindu Hasaranga, whose leg-spin threat and lower-order hitting remain crucial. Asitha Fernando will need to deliver more incisive spells with the new ball to trouble Pakistan top-order. For Sri Lanka to avoid a whitewash, their bowling unit must find discipline and breakthroughs early on something they have struggled with so far.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Head to Head Records in ODIs
Total matches played: 159
Pakistan won: 95
Sri Lanka won 59
No Results: 4
Tied: 1
Pitch Report
The Rawalpindi pitch for the first two ODIs was primarily batting-friendly, allowing totals of 299 and 288. The surface was true, rewarding batters who settled, as seen with the centuries from Salman Ali Agha and Babar Azam. Pacers found initial movement with the new ball, and spinners were effective in the middle overs. Critically, the dew factor has made chasing easier, suggesting the toss-winning captain will elect to field first.
Probable playing XIs
Pakistan
Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi (c), Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf
Sri Lanka
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyange, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kamindu Mendis, Pramod Madhusudan , Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga
Players to Watch Out
Salman Ali Agha
Babar Azam
Saim Ayub
Pathum Nissanka
Wanindu Hasaranga
Kamindu Mendis
Prediction
Pakistan are clear favourites interms of bowilng and batting while if Sri Lanka top order and bowlers clicks then Sri Lanka won .